Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - EU Support Schemes.

Joe Walsh

Question:

212 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the measures, if any, he has taken or proposes to take to address the unique difficulties of island farmers in relation to their eligibility and benefits under the various EU support schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11971/97]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

Under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry attached to the Structural Funds, higher grant rates are available to small farmers participating in capital investment schemes, including provision to cater for increased costs incurred by islanders. Under the farms diversification measures, higher rates are paid in the west for housing-handling facilities for alternative enterprises and special provisions are made for islanders participating in the agri-tourism scheme, i.e., rates of grant of 60 per cent for the provision of leisure facilities with investment ceilings for aid purposes substantially higher than elsewhere.

Under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), recent initiatives introduced will be of considerable benefit to island farmers. These include: a concession introduced in the 1996 budget, whereby the first £2,000 of REPS payment is disregarded for unemployment assistance means testing purposes and costs incurred in complying with REPS measures may also be offset against income for special welfare purposes; the inclusion of grazing rights as eligible area under REPS and the employment by Teagasc of a planner, nominated by Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, to assist in REPS planning work on the islands.

The Leader II programme is not intended specifically for farmers although they may qualify for funding for eligible projects. My Department is considering changes in the operating rules of the programme for the islands in the context of the mid-term review of Structural Funds. Any changes, which require the approval of the European Commission, will be announced as soon as possible.